Living as a bed spacer has been our practical choice ever since college, and it’s been smooth sailing thanks to our wonderful landlady, landlord, boardmates, and friends. In the bustling city of Makati, my sister and I have called a cozy old house our home for about five years now. It’s nestled in a gated compound, boasting four decently-sized bedrooms, a solo room, a living area, kitchen, three bathrooms, six toilets, and a laundry space.

Though it’s not palatial, it’s spacious enough for us, especially compared to other options. Each bedroom is equipped with three double-decker beds, ensuring a maximum of five occupants to prevent overcrowding. Still, with the house being wooden, you can’t escape the occasional sensation of movement when someone’s walking around. It’s a small annoyance, especially for our sensitive new roomie, but nothing too serious.

What makes this place truly special is its convenience. It’s a stone’s throw away from both my workplace and my sister’s, with malls just a short ride away and plenty of eateries and churches within walking distance.

Sure, you could opt for a more lavish setup without limits or curfews, but for us, simplicity and practicality reign supreme. Besides, we’ve just found our next home sweet home, where we plan to settle in for the foreseeable future.

Life’s meant to be enjoyed, no matter the circumstances.

It’s been a month of tireless searching for the perfect apartment, studio unit, or room around Makati, conveniently located near our workplaces in McKinley Hill and Oranbo, Pasig. Despite our efforts, we haven’t found a place that ticks all our boxes – one-month deposit and one-month advance terms, no post-dated checks required, guests and pets allowed, and within our budget range of Php 5,000 – 6,500.

We’ve also been mindful of the Valley fault lines, ensuring that our new home is at least a kilometer away from them. Many have questioned why we’re still on the hunt, especially when Orense, our current location, is so accessible and convenient in terms of transportation and amenities.

To address that question, I’ve compiled a list below of the reasons why we’re eager to move out:

1. Need for Privacy and Space: My sister and I crave a private space beyond just our bed and closet.
2. Flexible Working Hours: With my work often extending into the late hours, having a curfew is simply not feasible. We need the freedom to come and go as we please without disturbing others.
3. Restrictive Visitor Policies: The strict “no male visitors allowed” policy prevents Dad, my sister’s boyfriend, my boyfriend, and even Mom from visiting and staying with us for extended periods without incurring additional charges.
4. Limited Socializing: Hosting friends for hangouts or sleepovers is out of the question, limiting our social life and opportunities for bonding.
5. Desire for Home-cooked Meals: I miss the joy of cooking and working in a spacious kitchen, free from the overcrowding and messiness of our current shared kitchen.
6. Entertainment Restrictions: Our landlord prohibits additional appliances, meaning we can’t enjoy the simple pleasure of watching our favorite shows on television.
7. Lack of Personal Space: It’s challenging to engage in personal activities like working out, crafting, or DIY projects in a cramped and shared environment.
8. Noise and Sensitivity Issues: Our current roommates’ loud and off-key singing, coupled with the sensitivity of our new roommate, creates a tense atmosphere that hinders our comfort and relaxation.

Despite the conveniences of our current location, these factors significantly impact our quality of life and well-being, motivating us to continue our search for a new and more accommodating home. Here’s to finding the perfect place where we can truly feel at peace and at home.